Small Victory for Carruth

C H A R L O T T E, N.C., Aug. 1 -- Rae Carruth’s infant son may visit him injail, where the former NFL player is being held on charges ofmasterminding the shooting death of the child’s mother.

A judge ruled today a relative could bring 8-month-oldChancellor Adams to the jail to see Carruth through the glasspartition separating inmates from visitors.

Judge Yvonne Mims Evans denied Carruth’s request to hold thebaby in a private room adjacent to the prison library. She said thejail did not allow such visits and she didn’t want to make anexception for Carruth.

She also approved an agreement that requires Carruth to sell hishouse, then split any proceeds — estimated to be about $20,000 —between Chancellor and his 5-year-old son who lives in California.

Carruth Excited to See Infant Son

Lawyers said the former Carolina Panther receiver was excited tovisit his son, whom he has seen only once, when he was born.

“He’s very pleased he’ll get to see his son again,” said BillDiehl, his civil attorney. “He’s excited.”

Carruth and three others were charged with first-degree murderand conspiracy and intent to kill an unborn child in the Nov. 16shooting of Cherica Adams, Chancellor’s mother.

On Monday, accused shooter Van Brett Watkins pleaded guilty tosecond-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder,intent to kill an unborn child and shooting into occupied property.He is expected to testify against Carruth.

Diehl said today that Carruth knew of the plea agreement, butwouldn’t comment on his reaction. Diehl then scoffed when asked howCarruth is holding up.

“I don’t think he’s doing great,” he said. “He’s sitting injail with no bond with a terrible charge hanging over his head. Buthe’s dealing with it, like he has been for seven months.”

Looking Different

Carruth, who had shaved his head during his playing days, hasappeared at his last two court hearings with a full head of hair.During court recesses, he turned and talked quietly with the dozenfriends and family members who attended the hearing, and winked ata visiting girlfriend.